A while back, I ended up keeping an LG UltraFine 5K from work, and I’ve really grown to love it. My home setup is a Mac Studio M2 with a 3-monitor layout. Totally overkill, I know, but the triple monitor mount is already drilled into the desk, so I’ve stuck with it.
Originally, all three displays were pretty standard Samsung 4Ks. Once I added the LG 5K to the mix, the difference in image quality was obvious. So I recently picked up a second LG UltraFine 5K (the newer version) open-box at Micro Center for around $900.
Now my setup is:
2x LG UltraFine 5K
1x Samsung 4K (which I barely even look at now)
I just got a bonus at work and am debating how to finish things off. The UltraFine 5K has been out for a while, so I’m trying to decide if it still makes sense to stick with it or rethink the setup altogether.
My options:
Buy a third LG UltraFine 5K to complete the trio and keep everything consistent on my existing 3-arm desk mount.
Consider a different 5K display that might be newer or better designed, and mount that instead. Though mixing models might bother me.
Ditch the 3-monitor setup entirely and just go with a clean 2-monitor layout using the LG 5Ks. If I go this route, I’d either get a 2-monitor mount or use the original stands (which I still have). I do like how the current 3-arm setup looks, so I’m a bit torn.
Would love to hear what others think. Is it worth completing the 3-LG look, or is now the time to simplify?
Let me know if you want to add product links or specs.
I love my 2 monitor setup:
Left Monitor: 27” MSI Pro MP275Q
Right Monitor: Dell 24” Monitor with rotation
And sometimes I need a 3rd monitor, so I open my 14” Dell laptop screen which gives me an additional 2k screen.
How are you arranging your three monitors? 3 in a line with one as your main monitor and two appendices.
I’d be tempted that if you barely look at the 4k monitor at the moment, to stick with 2 for a while, decomission the 4k and see if you actually miss it.
I agree with @geoffaire – remove the 4K for now and see if you miss it. Also, this will give you a feeling for the aesthetics of a dual-monitor stand vs. a triple.
My middle monitor is my primary screen — that’s where I bring whatever app I’m actively using.
Left Monitor: Mail + Path Finder Right Monitor: iTunes + a secondary browser window (for side-by-side stuff)
If I need to focus on something that’s on a side monitor, I use a Keyboard Maestro macro (triggered by F1) that moves the front window to the middle monitor and resizes it to about 85% width.
Realistically, I mostly focus on the middle and left monitors. I sit too close for three 27" screens to feel comfortable, but I started this workflow back when I had 3x 24" monitors, and I could see everything more easily.
For my use it’s fine, but I only use it for Zoom and Teams, not recording anything. I work in a glass building with almost constant sun light, so that may help.
The mic sounds excellent too. I’ve been really happy with the Studio Display.
I’ve got an Apple Studio Display next to an LG UltraFine on Vesa mounts. They don’t “match” but I truly never notice. It probably helps that my desk is a mess, though.
The camera on the Apple Studio Display is “good enough” quality, unlike the horrible UltraFine camera. I don’t get compliments or questions about it like I do with Continuity Camera, though. I’d support putting the monitor with the best camera in the middle if you go this route.
There are a couple good options out now you might look at by BenQ and Asus. Avoid Dell (lower pixel density.) I don’t know enough about Sony’s.
Personal opinion from someone who does a lot of remote work: The webcam is on par with pretty much everybody’s Logitech with whom you’ll be on Teams or Zoom meetings. It’s not great, but then neither is anyone’s. I’ve found it to be a complete non-issue and literally the only comments that I’ve ever gotten were amazement that the camera follows me around.
